Guest Guest Posted August 1, 2005 Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 Hi, I'm new to the forum and fish keeping. I just bought myself a 150 gallon tank and was wondering if there is a place we can buy large amounts of aquarium gravel or sand for cheap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vallisneria Posted August 1, 2005 Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 Where do you live? Also what exactly are you looking for(color, size of gravel or sand), that will help narrow down where to shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest Posted August 1, 2005 Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 I live in Calgary. I'm looking for anything that will do the job really. If sand is cheaper, I'll get sand. If gravel is cheaper, I'll get gravel. I know most fish stores carry what we need. I was curious to know if anyone knew a place to buy this stuff wholesale or in large quantities for cheap because my tank require so much of the stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanker Posted August 1, 2005 Report Share Posted August 1, 2005 Check out the threads on sandblasting sand for info. I persoanlly just started using it, and it's 'so far, so good'... As well, down at the GlenDeer Circle is Burnco's Retail Center. They have a HUGE variety of sands and smaller rock products that could be used, depending on the fish and your requirements. All products there can be purchased in bulk, literally (their loaders have two-yard buckets) or you can bring buckets and shovel your own. I would suggest heading down there and seeing what they have... talk to the sales people in the store and they'll be able to give you an idea of the mineral contents of each material and may even have MSDS's available for some products. Remember to be EXTRA diligent in rinsing anything 'foreign' before introducing it to a tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sauron2 Posted August 2, 2005 Report Share Posted August 2, 2005 I have about 100lbs of mixed Aquarium gravel you can have for $50.00. PM me if you are interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arixonbarnes Posted August 4, 2005 Report Share Posted August 4, 2005 If you are located in the Edmonton area I have lots of gravel in many different colors (mostly blends) and I have no idea what it's worth (35 cents?) a pound. If it was black I wouldn't be looking for any but alas there is no straight black left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
punman Posted August 4, 2005 Report Share Posted August 4, 2005 I buy pool filter sand in Calgary for $8 for 50 lbs. from a pool place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishCanada Posted August 4, 2005 Report Share Posted August 4, 2005 Hey punman, That sounds pretty cheap, where are some pool places in Calgary that would have that stuff? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rahim101 Posted August 4, 2005 Report Share Posted August 4, 2005 Also...try burnco OR home depot OR pool and hot tub supply store for pool filter sand. For gravel...burnco OR Gold Aquariums Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thefishdude Posted August 4, 2005 Report Share Posted August 4, 2005 I got my pool filter sand from Western Pump which is on 42nd ave, just off Blackfoot trail by Silver Dollar Casino I think it was 10 bucks for 50 lbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishCanada Posted August 5, 2005 Report Share Posted August 5, 2005 Are there any major issues I should be concerned about with using Pool Filter Sand as the substrate? I heard it was better than play sand. My plan is to have a little bit of plants and some driftwood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RD. Posted August 7, 2005 Report Share Posted August 7, 2005 PFS is cleaner than play sand, and doesn't contain as fine a particle size, so it tends to settle faster if the fish kick it up. If you use HOB filters, leave the lower extension off, so the intake is up off the bottom. (to prevent sand from ruining your impellers) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mbuna Ron Posted August 26, 2005 Report Share Posted August 26, 2005 Alright I'm trying PFS for the first time in one of my aquariums. I've used gravel in all my other aquariums with no problems. Gold's warns against PFS because of HOB problems however I know sand is more natural for "sand-sifting fish." So...aside from not using the lower extension on the AC are there any other measures that can be taken to prevent sand from wrecking the impeller/motor?....foam on intake or... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rahim101 Posted August 26, 2005 Report Share Posted August 26, 2005 A quick easy ans cheap way to go is by using a sponge of an Aqua Clear 200.... Cut a hole and slide the sponge over the intake. That will act as a pre-filter and prevent sand from getting into the impeller Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mbuna Ron Posted August 26, 2005 Report Share Posted August 26, 2005 I've done that! ..just picked up some Haplochromis obliquidens (Lake Victoria) and put them in this tank. Man are they having fun in the sand! :w00t: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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